Player-coach Langley leaving Eagles

Director of Rugby Mark Aston has confirmed that Jamie Langley’s departure at the end of the season will also see him leave the Sheffield Eagles coaching set-up.

Langley was one of 10 names set for release at the end of the campaign, but the former Great Britain international has combined his playing duties with a coaching role with the Eagles this season.

Whilst injury has hampered his season it has left the second rower with more time to work behind the scenes as he made his first steps into coaching. Whilst Aston admits that Langley has had a huge impact off the field he confirmed that the Normanton-born ace will not be staying on the staff for next season, instead aligning his focus on bolstering the Eagles playing staff.

“Jamie has been released so he’ll be moving somewhere else,” said Aston.

“We need players and were hoping that he would be in a position to play for another year or so, but that is not the case. I’m sure he will have irons in the fire and will get something for next season, and we all wish him well. He has been a great ambassador for this club.

Langley was last season’s big signing after enjoying a stellar career at Super League level with Bradford, but injury ruled him out of the start of the campaign, whilst he also finished the season on the sidelines as the Eagles close their campaign with a home game with Wakefield this Sunday.

Aston was full of praise for the 31-year-old who he admitted could have made the difference as Eagles were narrowly beaten at home to Hull KR last Friday.

“He has been a great person to have around the place,” said Aston.

“The boys are full of respect for him and have listened to him and he has given us plenty. It’s just sad that his body will not allow him to play and whilst he is a player/coach we really needed him on the field.

“Last week against Hull KR if he had been on the field he could have given us that little bit of experience that might have got us over the line.”